New to Blu: June 15 – 21

“War & Peace wasn’t photographed, processed in post-production, or in any way put together to capture a razor-sharp façade or display bold, popping colours. The series plays with something of a dreamy quality about it, a soft-focus soap-opera-like presentation that favors delicate colours and gentle details.”

“For a new release Blu-ray of a major television production this video transfer is quite disappointing. It is variable with some sequences really quite ordinary reminiscent of DVD, featuring colour bleeding, a lack of detail, pale faces, digital smoothness and a lack of sharpness.”

“All the dialogue is presented crisp and clear with no noticeable distortion. Background noise is correctly proportioned and music and sound effects don’t muffle the dialogue audio track which comes through clearly even in moments with loud effects.”

“Ray Donovan: Season Three‘s 1080p transfer delivers a satisfying viewing experience. The digital photography leaves the image looking mildly glossy but never at the expense of detail and colour.

“Textures are well pronounced across the board. Facial pores, lines, wrinkles, stubble, and makeup are intricately presented.”

“Contrast is masterfully maintained, and black levels are superb. An occasional soft shot spoils what is otherwise a reference transfer.”

“Concussion arrives on Blu-ray in a stunning 2.40:1 AVC HD image … While opinions on the movie may vary, one thing is for sure – this is a very good-looking picture.”

“Detail is incredible for this shot digitally feature, from close up skin texture and clothing weaves to distant cityscape shots of Pittsburgh; there are keen edges throughout never softening unless intended. As clean and crisp as ever there was.”

“Triple 9 was digitally photographed, but it’s another in a growing list ofproductions that texturally nearly pass for film. The picture favours a rather gritty façade that presents details with something of a roughhewn, edgy quality. Facial textures are sharp yet still refined.”

“With an aspect ratio of 2.40:1 (1080p High Definition Widescreen) and filmed using Arri Alexa XT M, Plus, & Studio cameras with Panavision Primo & G-Series lenses, Triple 9 is a home run as far as the video quality of the Blu-ray disc is concerned. The picture is of the highest calibre clarity, with a smart use of colour against a dark background and each scene carefully crafted.”

I agree, Trevor. I can only presume Fox doesn’t think NZ’s Blu-ray market is big enough to warrant such a release. Of course, that doesn’t explain why Paramount’s original Twin Peaks still hasn’t been released here on Blu-ray. Or 24: Live Another Day. Or …

I am watching season 3 of The X-FIles on Blu-ray and thoroughly enjoying the Blu-ray versions of this series. Many years ago my wife and I watched all seasons of X Files on DVD. Philip some time ago, the original Twin Peaks seasons were available on Blu-ray from JB Hi-Fi NZ. They are not available now, though.

Thanks for that, Mark. I wonder if JB sourced it from Australia, as I’ve asked Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, which distributes Paramount discs here, several times about its availability and always drawn a blank. It’s also possible that UPNZ offered it exclusively through JB because it was a relatively niche title.